About the Author

Steven Ellis is an Oakvillian, who fell in love with Hockey journalism. He covered the Oakville Blades from 2013 to 2017. He will graduate from Ryerson School of Journalism in 2018. He has so far contributed to RogersTV, Metroland's Oakville Beaver, Euro Hockey, Daily Hive, The Scout House and Champions Hockey League. His next move is to the North York Rangers.

The Oakville Blades are extremely pleased to announce that defenseman Patrick Kudla (First Team) and forward Josh Kosack (Second Team) were named to the two respective OJHL All-Star teams at the conclusion of the regular season.

Kudla, 19, quickly grew into an OJHL fan favourite in his rookie season with the Blades, often being considered one of the best defensemen in the entire league. A former forward with the Guelph Hurricanes, Kudla transitioned into a blue liner just two seasons ago, helping him shine at the offensive part of his two-way game. Kudla easily finished a top the league in defensive scoring this year, registering 66 points to finish 13 points ahead of the second place challenge and seventh overall in the league.

In November, Kudla was named the Gongshow Gear South-West Conference Player-of-the-Month for October after leading the OJHL with 15 assists in 11 games played. A former draft pick by the OHL’s Plymouth Whalers, the Guelph, Ontario native was a member of Team OJHL Hawerchuk at the Eastern Canada Cup All-Star Challenge earlier in the season, earning him even more praise before committing to Arizona State of the NCAA.

Kosack also had a season to remember, tying captain Ryan Garvey with 68 points for the team lead this year. The Oakville, Ontario native is currently in his second season with his hometown Blades, having joined the club last season out of the Victory Honda U16 club based in Michigan. He previously had played his minor midget ‘AAA’ season as a member of the Brampton 45’s. As a 17-year old rookie with the Blades, Kosack posted impressive numbers, finishing second with 18 goals and fifth in overall scoring with 36 points in 42 regular season games. He added four points in 10 post-season contests, getting his first taste of Junior ‘A’ playoff action, downing Orangeville in a thrilling seven game series before falling to the eventual champion Toronto Patriots.

This year was even better. His efforts earned him a spot on Team OJHL Oates, notching two points in four games while falling in the semi-final to Team CCHL Yzerman at the 2015 Eastern Canada Cup All-Star Challenge. Then, in December, Kosack joined fellow teammate Tyler Rollo on the first line for Canada East at the World Junior A Challenge, finishing just short of a bronze in a game against the United States. His play earned him a commitment with the Union College Dutchmen beginning with the 2017-18 ECAC season.

You can watch Patrick and Josh live in action in Oakville’s first playoff game against the St. Michael’s Buzzers this Friday when the post-season begins at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex. For a full playoff schedule, check out www.OakvilleBlades.ca. Puck drop tonight, March 4, 2016 is at 7:30 pm, hope to see you there!